The Hunting Lodge Home Block Chardonnay 2023

Winemaking
Now in its sixth release, the Home Block Chardonnay is a wine that speaks with quiet authority. Sourced from 14-year-old vines rooted in Waimauku’s clay soils, the 2023 vintage reflects a season of near-perfect conditions. Warm, dry weather allowed fruit to reach optimal ripeness, and a gentle hand in the winery preserved both site and style. The fruit was hand-picked, whole-bunch pressed, and wild-fermented in fine French oak barriques (30% new), followed by 10 months' ageing on full lees with periodic bâtonnage. Partial malolactic fermentation was used to balance vibrancy with texture.

Bouquet
The nose is bold and expressive, with layers of baked nectarine, burnt butter, and lemon curd, wrapped around a smoky edge of gunflint and fine French oak. Delicate hints of hazelnut and fresh cream lift from the glass, promising depth and tension.

Palate
Powerful yet composed, this Chardonnay carries weight and structure from its clay-driven vineyard site. Ripe stone fruit meets rich, toasty oak and savoury complexity. The palate is stitched together with a fine line of acidity, delivering minerality, length and a persistent finish. It’s a Chardonnay of clarity and character—elegance with a firm voice.

Food Pairing
Serve with lemon-and-thyme roasted chicken, crayfish with brown butter, or grilled kūmara and goat cheese tart. Also beautiful with creamy mushroom risotto or a wedge of aged brie.

Cellaring
Approachable now with a short decant, but will continue to evolve and deepen through 2032+. Expect greater complexity, savoury detail, and softened edges over time.

Awards & Accolades
93 Points – Excellent, Cameron Douglas MS

Interesting Fact
This has been a true labour of love—from the Waimauku clay soils through to the final bottling. The Home Block Chardonnay is The Hunting Lodge’s most site-driven white wine, and 2023 follows the legacy of their outstanding 2022 vintage—widely regarded as the estate’s finest to date.